Local

Steve takes on fifth cycling challenge for Acorns

A DROITWICH father who has completed four charity cycling challenges already is taking on a fifth, to raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Steve Clay is taking on the challenge after benefitting from help for his 11-year-old son Oliver from the Three Counties hospice in Worcester.

Oliver, who has the life-limiting condition dystonic cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair to move about and has received care and facilities from the hospice, and his dad, who is a keen cyclist is keen to help give something back to Acorns.

Mr Clay is set to take on the charity’s Severn Valley cycling challenge for the fifth year running, with a team of co-workers and his brother Paul.

He said: “I enjoy cycling so this will be a great way for me to ‘give back’ to Acorns for the care and support they have given to Oliver and our family. My work colleagues know about my son’s condition and were keen to help me by either taking part or digging into their pockets.

“I’m not the only family member who has raised funds for Acorns, my wife, Sam has also taken part in events such as a fire walk.”

Acorns Children's Hospice’s events manager, Ian Carr, added: “We don’t charge families for making use of its services, regardless of the ever increasing costs involved and we rely heavily on public fundraising and voluntary donations.

“The challenge offers a scenic, if energetic, day out followed by a leisurely train ride back and we hope this will appeal to cyclists of a wide range of abilities.”

Anyone can take part in the Acorns Children's Hospice’s Severn Valley cycling challenge, with a 40-mile, 20-mile, and 10-mile route to choose from running between Bridgnorth and Bewdley. For more information on the challenges, which are taking place on Sunday, August 17, visit acorns.org.uk/severn-valley-cycle-challenge or call 01564 825013.